SPINE Festival
SPINE Festival is for children, young people and families and takes place this year throughout the month of June across libraries situated at the heart of London’s communities, both digitally and in-person.
In 2021, the festival’s theme is ‘EMPATHY’ and launches on 1 June, World Children’s Day. With a varied programme of events, performances and workshops, SPINE Festival inspires and empowers children, young people, and communities across 16 London boroughs.
The free programme of spoken word and arts activities also features Artists in Residence specially commissioned to develop work in fourteen boroughs, a Discover Arts Award Telling Tales creative writing workshops programme, innovative theatre shows, and ESOL Open House programme in two boroughs where participants from refugee communities creatively explore language through culture.
SPINE Festival 2021 takes place in the following London boroughs:
Brent ● Bromley ● Croydon ● Ealing ● Greenwich ● Hammersmith and Fulham ● Islington ● Kensington and Chelsea ● Lewisham ● Merton ● Newham ● Southwark ● Sutton ● Tower Hamlets ● Wandsworth ● Westminster
Each year, SPINE Festival also offers a host of activities specifically for local school and community groups.
2020’s SPINE Festival saw over 160 events delivered across 17 London boroughs, bringing together local communities to creatively explore the theme of ‘Our World’. Meet the Artists in Residence for SPINE 2020 here.
Libraries are creative spaces at the heart of London communities. They are free and open to all, and a great way to engage with and experience art and culture.
Produced by Apples and Snakes in partnership with library authorities across London. Photos: Suzi Corker
